5 Challenges When Making a Quilt

By: Sharon Camp

As a quilter there are many challenges you face when designing, sewing and ultimately quilting the finished product.  Here are the 5 most important steps that you need to complete before the finished product can be proudly displayed and viewed by others.

Step 1

Choosing the fabric for the quilt can be one of the most challenging and exciting tasks facing the quilter or one of the most frustrating.  Color choices can indeed determine the overall success of your quilt because it can either be alive and sparkle with its color or be dull, drab and boring due to the lack of it.

Since you might be like most quilters and wish you were wealthy enough to have the complete “stash” that contains every fabric that you ever could want to use, choosing your fabrics carefully is important.  Colors chosen for the background should be quiet, more neutral so as not to call attention to this part of the quilt and allow for the printed colors to jump out and shine.

There are two recommended quilter color tests that will help in your selection.  First, place the colors next to each other to be sure they compliment and do not detract from each other.  The second and equally important is to stand back at least six feet and look carefully to see how the fabrics melt or mix together.

Select fabrics that will enhance your pattern.  Use the color wheel to help in the selection of colors that compliment or intensify.  The hot colors of yellow and orange will dominate the quilt and conversely, the cool shades of blues will add a depth dimension to your quilt.  Remember that the neutral shades are pleasant to the eye and allow for the others hues to show their true color.

Be sure to prewash all fabric, tumble dry and iron prior to cutting for your projects.

It is always wise to buy a little extra fabric in case of wrong cuts than to be short.  This way you can add the extra to that fabric stash for your next project!

Step 2

Whether you plan to use a precut pattern, draft your own blocks, use a template or cut out pieces with a rotary blade, the design of the quilt becomes your true masterpiece.  Whether your blocks are pieced or appliquéd, simple or complex, each can be connected block to block or with sashings and cornerstones.  Another alternative that frames the blocks and gives a three dimensional look to your block is a framed or window block.   Blocks can be set on a horizontal pattern running crosswise or lengthwise.  Another alternative would be the zigzag effect which is produced by placing the blocks diagonally.

Enhancing or enlarging a block or the size of the quilt can be easily done by the adding of borders.  Well-designed borders add to the colors in the quilt blocks, as well as bring out designs and shapes featured in the blocks.   Interesting borders can be pieced, appliquéd, and mitered corners add stunning results that frame the blocks in the center.

Step 3

No matter the colors or the design that is chosen, the construction or the sewing of the quilt has rules that need to be followed carefully.

Be sure to sew exactly ¼ ” seams from edge to edge.  If possible, keep the straight of the grain on the outside edges of the quilt section.    Press the seams in what is called “opposing seams.”  This pressing of the seams in opposite directions allows the matching of the points or corners and always pin the points of matching prior to sewing.

Step 4

Once the quilt top is completed, a layer of batting is then sandwiched between this top and a lower layer of fabric.  Once the fabrics are arranged, stretched smooth, and basted together with long running stitches to hold the layers together until the quilting can be completed.  Choosing to quilt by hand or to machine quilt is an individual preference.

When quilting by hand, since the stitches create the design, it is important that each one be made carefully.  A simple running stitch is used, though the size differs from one quilter to another in the number of stitches to an inch, it is more important that each stitch be uniform in length.  Usually a 5 – 8 stitch per inch is considered to be pleasing and attractive hand quilting.

As a machine quilter, you can have the option for a quicker and often time’s stronger stitch since the machine is being utilized.  Work is done in small areas at a time, since maneuvering the material under the arm of the machine is often cumbersome and tricky.  An alternative to this process would be the quilter’s long arm, which is designed to not only work on a larger quilted area, but more intricate design patterns.

Step 5

The final and often times over-looked step is giving your quilt a name.  Many quilts many be placed in a quilt show, or sold on line, but some may be just love and meant to spend hours being loved and cuddled with by that special person who was lucky enough to be the recipient of a handmade quilt.  After the many hours the labors of love on the quilt, take time to personalize it by giving it the unique, special touch, it very own name.

About the Author

Come and choose one our handmade children’s quilts, a lasting keepsake, a unique birthday gift, or Christening gift, for that special “little one.”

Visit my website: http://www.uniquebabyquiltboutique.com and chose of one unique handmade children’s quilt from my collection for your child’s birthday or other special event.

Sharon Camp has been quilting for over 30 years.

(ArticlesBase SC #2951218)

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ – 5 Challenges When Making a Quilt

Author: Rob Germundson

A developing market niche in the quilting world is 100% die cut quilt kits. Although precut kits have been sold for a number of years, die cut kits take the cutting a step further. Precut kits provide the quilter larger pieces of fabric which need to be cut into smaller quilt pieces. 100% die cut kits provide all pieces, borders, and binding cut and ready to sew. When searching online or in stores for precut quilt kits, take note of which type of “precut” kit you are purchasing.

Precut kits with appropriate lengths of multiple fabrics have advantages and disadvantages. They do provide the quilter with a matched fabric selection for a particular pattern. The pattern may or may not be included with the kit. Also, the cutting process is easier because the pieces of fabric are smaller and easier to manipulate. However, cutting precision is dependent on the quilter’s abilities and the effectiveness of the pattern directions. If an error is made in cutting, the quilter may not have enough fabric in that particular color to correct the error. Precut kits are an advantage because they save the quilter time.

The newer, 100% die cut quilt kits also have advantages and disadvantages. First, the kits contain all the pieces, borders, backing and binding cut and ready to sew with detailed “visual” instructions. No more calculating where to make the next rotary cut and how to cut that triangle! Next, the die cutting process creates precision cut pieces which stitch together easily for that perfect block. The blocks fit together nicely for a quality stitched quilt project. Also, the 100% die cut kit saves the quilter time and money since the quilter does not have to be concerned about obtaining a pattern, locating and choosing fabrics, accounting for extra fabric, and cutting the pieces, borders, and bindings. This leaves more time and energy for the fun of piecing together the quilt project. However, the quilter’s selection is limited to the variety of kits available for purchase. Finally, if you use a long arm quilting service, they will certainly notice and appreciate your work. An accurately sewn quilt project leads to quality final quilting. In the end, it’s a winning situation. 100% die cut kits make high quality quilts, wall hangings, and table runners possible for all types of quilters.

Who should consider 100% die cut quilt and fabric kits? All quilters! Sometimes it’s fun to skip the cutting and start stitching. There are many great quilts, wall hangings, and table runners made each year by quilters using traditional methods. These creations inspire and encourage all of us in our great love of quilting. However, quilters are now learning about these newer style 100% die cut kits and understanding the advantages. Beginning quilters like them because it allows them to focus and learn how to stitch the quilt project. They feel successful immediately due to the quality of their die cut piecing. This inspires and propels them further with their quilting hobby. Experienced quilters find the time savings useful, still feel challenged, and appreciate the quality. 100% die cut kits are a gift to quilters who are physically unable to cut a quilt project. Finally, quilters who struggle matching fabrics for a pattern truly appreciate relieving their headache with a die cut quilt/fabric kit.

How do you choose a precut quilt or fabric kit? What should you be looking for? How do you know what you are getting in the kit? These are all great questions. First, look at the package for information about the name of the fabric line and manufacturer. Is the fabric 100% cotton quilting fabric? Then, verify the material in the kit is the same material as in the picture of the quilt project. Next, look at the contents list for the kit to ensure all the pieces for the quilt project are included in the kit. Does the kit include the borders? Binding? Backing? Make sure you know what you are paying for and won’t need more fabric to complete the project. Last, check the size of the project and colors to ensure it will be perfect for its intended purpose.

Now is a good time to consider a precut kit. Whether choosing an easy quilt kit or a challenging one, the 100% die cut kits are an exciting addition to the quilt world. They give quilters another choice for making their next beautiful quilt creation.

Please visit us: http://SewReadyCreations.com

About the Author:

SewReadyCreations.com is family owned, innovative and dedicated to providing high quality 100% pre cut quilt, table runner, and wall hanging kits at affordable prices. All quilting pieces are die cut. No need to coordinate quilt fabrics, choose quilt patterns, and cut quilting fabric pieces. Die cutting makes 100% pre cut quilt and fabric kits precise and EASY to make. Piecing is a snap!

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Quilting – New Trends with 100% Die Cut Quilt and Fabric Kits